Meet Jackie Valdez

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jackie Valdez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jackie , thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

My generosity comes from my roots. My parents immigrated to this country from Mexico. Growing up in Los Angeles, CA I was constantly reminded how fortunate we were to have the privilege to get to grow up in the US. I was implemented basic human generosity and reminded of the importance of always having respect for others. When visiting Mexico during my summers, my grandmother told me stories of the less fortunate and reminded me always treat people the way I want to be treated. Practicing kindness every day, through small gestures and to always remember, “La familia es todo” Family is everything.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

During the grand opening of Jacqueline’s Floral Boutique I didn’t really have a vision I wanted to follow. All I knew is that I love exploring and expressing myself through flowers. From learning about the variety of fresh flowers that earth has to offer, to seeing the way some flowers like to twist and intertwine with each other. I love showing how beautiful our world that we live in. I love the feeling I get after putting all of my feelings in an arrangement, and surprising my friends and family with a small gesture. Then captivating the genuine reaction of pure joy, that’s the best part.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I knew that I loved expressing myself through art. I loved the feeling of sense of self that it brought me. Genuine curiosity to learning more and more about different techniques, learning about the delicacy of the flowers, and learning how to let go of expectations. When you are making an arrangement, big or small, like a painting, you must learn go with the flow. I had to completely dive in, with no knowledge or background, and completely indulge. From reading to taking courses or doing research on the internet. Networking and surrounding yourself by people who you can learn from.
I had to learn how to be okay with making mistakes. It’s a learning process and mistakes is how you will learn best. My best advice to any new florist would be trust yourself that you are talented enough. Despite of all other florists in the world, your work is impactful and meaningful, as long as you are putting your heart into it you will create beautiful art.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I am feeling overwhelmed, especially when meeting deadlines, I like to create a list. This gives me a visual idea of what needs to get done and writing also calms my anxiety a bit. Sometimes when you are in the field you may run into some problems. I always lean in on my friends. Having a strong support group when I need help really made my life easier. I had such a hard time asking for help at times, I had to learn to let go of that. Another thing I like to do for myself is prioritize time for myself. No matter how busy I may be, I will make sure I go to a yoga class, or make sure I get a proper meal. It can be hectic during holidays, it’s important you take care of yourself as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Jacquelinesfloralboutique.com
• Instagram: Jacquelinesfloralboutique
• Facebook: Jacqueline’s Floral Boutique